"Good morning, Naruto." Itachi smiles at him as Naruto enters the kitchen the next morning.

"Morning." Naruto yawns and he rubs his eye sleepily.

"I hope you slept well." Itachi says as he moves around the kitchen, grabbing some banana's apples and pears. "How about we start the day with a smoothie?"

"Yes, thank you." Naruto answers as he leans against the table, unsure if he should try to sit down.

When Naruto had woken first that morning it was because Sasuke had gently kissed his head, promising he'd come straight home from school and that if he needed anything Itachi would be around to help and all he had to do was ask. Naruto had mumbled something back and soon fallen asleep again only to wake up with the realisation that Sasuke had gone to school without them resolving anything. A harrowing feeling overcame him as he realized he didn't even give him a good morning kiss. Or a 'have a good day' one for all it mattered. And matter it did. It very much did and he knew his lover knew it as much as he did. The guilt was overwhelming and caused him to stay in bed for a while longer. When he got up not even the realisation that his behind was hurting far less could lift his spirits. Maybe some sustenance could help deal with his dark mood, or maybe Itachi could. He had been through a traumatizing experience as well after all, so maybe he was willing to share how he was dealing with it. If Naruto could find the right opportunity to ask him.

"I've slept well enough, thanks. You?"

"Hnn." Itachi observes Naruto for a while before adding the last pieces of fruit in the blender. "It was good enough. Woke up only two times." Before Naruto could answer he turns on the device, the sound making it impossible for the blond to reply.

"Here you go. Is there anything else you'd like to eat?" Naruto shakes his head after taking the big glass with a mumbled thanks. "Then we could take a seat on the couch in the living room." Itachi nods and leads the way, his own glass in hand. Naruto gets the suspicious feeling Itachi makes the offer knowing that the couch would be softer and much more comfortable for his butt that the kitchen chairs would be. He's silently grateful for Itachi's tact. "Was there anything specific you wanted to do today?"

"I… No. No, not really." Naruto mumbles as he looks into the glass while avoiding Itachi's eyes. He had sat down carefully and though the soreness was ever present, it would remain that way and not get worse if he didn't shift around too much.

"Well then perhaps you'd like to indulge me. I had Sasuke clean up the attic while I was… away. When I went to inspect his work I found some old picture books. Especially one in particular with pretty much only pictures of my adorable little feral kitten of a brother." Itachi smirks and when Naruto looks up at him he notices the warmth in those eyes.

"I would like that." He says softly.

"Good. I'll be right back then." Itachi answers and he stands up to get the picture books. Naruto looks down in his glass, staring at the yellow-white fruity mixture forlornly. It still feels strange to him that he's here, alone with Sasuke's brother. He should count himself lucky, he knows, having a boyfriend with such an understanding and considerate brother. Yet, it also makes him feel more lonely somehow. It makes him feel even less worthy of Sasuke after everything that has happened. It also makes him more despondent when he thinks of his parents and how they couldn't be as understanding and supporting as this person whom is practically still a stranger to him.

"I made some toast with vegetables in case you feel like having something more substantial to eat." Naruto startles for a moment when the plate was put on the coffee table in front of him. "You didn't eat much yesterday I believe, which I can understand, but it's best not to let yourself starve to many days in a row." Itachi smiles at him as he sits back down and Naruto manages a small smile back.

"Thank you." He says softly before taking a sip of his smoothie and as he lowers the glass he notices the top book of the pile in Itachi's hands. It is a bright pink and has a picture pasted on the cover. "Is that…" He asks, eyes widening.

"Hn. Yeah. This one is special." Itachi smiles as he looks down at the book in his hands before putting the others to the side. The picture was one of a very young Sasuke, couldn't be much older than three, and it had cat ears, nose, whiskers and even a tail drawn on it. 'The feral kitten' the title above the picture read, each letter coloured carefully in a different colour. "I started this picture book when I was around nine years old I believe. It basically started with this picture at the cover, my baby brother about three years old. Back then he was beyond fuzzy and clingy. I could hardly leave his sight or he would end up crying and anyone, except for mother, who would try to calm him he'd throw his toys at." Itachi chuckles and Naruto smiles as he imagines the scene. "I described him as a feral kitten back then and drew these cat features on the picture, much to my parent's dismay. They gave me this book and said I should add the picture to it if I liked to draw so much. So I instantly pasted it on the cover and instead of drawing I collected more pictures of that adorable little feral kitten. Little did I know back then I was basically documenting his life in here, his childhood at least." A melancholic looks settles in the older Uchiha's eyes and for a moment Naruto is overcome by the strong feeling of longing for an older sibling like Itachi.

"What does Sasuke think of this?" Naruto asks and Itachi chuckles.

"He was actually quite supportive of it. Helping me pick out some pictures to put in it and readily allowing pictures of him to be taken, of which he insisted most of the time that I should be in them with him. Until of course he grew out of it and he'd rather shy away from the camera and roll his eyes whenever I pulled this book out, easily embarrassed by it."

"Which would only prompt you more to take more pictures of him, I'm guessing." Naruto adds softly as he looks to the pictures on the next pages as Itachi opened the book.

"Naturally." Itachi agrees. "The older we Uchiha's get the more stoic we become so I have to take every opportunity I get to take a picture of Sasuke's less stoic moments. Having him embarrassed is a great way to do that." Itachi smirks, remembering all the times he managed to catch his little brother of guard with his pranks or teasing. "Much to my little brothers chagrin that is." He chuckles and Naruto smiles at that.

They go over some more pictures where Itachi tells about them and Naruto just listens most of the time. By the time he finished his smoothie he was totally invested in the stories about Sasuke's childhood and he even absentmindedly ate some of the toast Itachi had made for him.

"You might see multiple pictures like this one." Itachi says at some point. They were at a picture of little Sasuke, probably around five years old, sitting on his brothers foot, limbs curled tightly around his leg and a bright grin on his face as he beams at the camera. Itachi on the other hand had his arms folded in front of his chest, an annoyed pouty look on his face as he glares at the camera. "Whenever I wanted to do something for myself or had somewhere to be and Sasuke didn't want me to do so, he'd just clamp himself around my leg. I had to drag my foot and him over the floor with me if I wanted to go anywhere."

"I had no idea Sasuke was that clingy." Naruto says with fondness in his eyes and a soft smile. "He totally didn't seem the type." Itachi hums in acquiescence.

"There are only a few Sasuke let's into his heart, but once they do he won't let go of them easily. As a child quite literally."

They go over to the next picture, and the next and the next and so on. Naruto marvels as he witnesses Sasuke's growing up through the eyes of the person whom is closest to him. His heart swells with love and longing for his boyfriend when Itachi shows and tells him about the different animals Sasuke found, brought home and wanted to safe. Every time he had to part with an animal so it could go to a proper shelter and vet, he would be heartbroken. Every bird, cat, dog, frog and even a deer, Sasuke would cry or at least be upset every time they had to leave. Eventually he found peace with it more easily as every time his brother made sure there was a picture taken of the wounded or stray animal and it's young and caring saviour. Naruto just wished Sasuke to be there so he could cuddle kiss and beam at him how proud he was and he silently swore that, if things worked out between them, he would make sure Sasuke would have a pet to gush over when they had a place of their own.

They take a look at some more pictures and it isn't long before Itachi realises how the blond has started to nod off. He had noticed how quiet and subdued the blond had been throughout most of their time together now. He didn't know him well of course, not yet, but from what he had gathered from his little brother when he told him about him before, he didn't think it was Naruto's normal behaviour. It worries him, but he knows as no other how trauma could have such an effect on one's character. He just hopes it will be temporary and not a life-lasting scar that would have changed him forever.

"Naruto." Itachi gently tries to wake him, but the blond doesn't respond. He tries again and this time lightly touches his shoulder to wake him, not wanting him to have a sore neck by sleeping like that. Instantly, however, Naruto snaps his eyes open and Itachi sees the panic in them even as he quickly swats his hand away and moves backwards over the couch, his bum hitting the seat shortly before he quickly manages to stand up with a swirl to keep himself facing Itachi. "Easy there. It's okay Naruto. You're safe." Itachi watches with a heavy heart as slowly the animosity leaves those weary blue eyes.

"I'm sorry…" Naruto mumbles as his shoulders sag and he eases his fight or flight stance.

"No need to apologize. I understand." Naruto nods tiredly, moving his hand over his face. He had truly not intended to doze of like that or to react in such a violent way. "Why don't you rest for a little while. We could always look over these picture books some other time, perhaps with Sasuke present."

"I would like that, thank you." Naruto replies softly and he thanks Itachi, whom just nods at that, before he starts to make his way towards the stairs. As he walks up the steps it feels as if his legs are made of lead and he can barely keep his eyes open. In a daze he somehow managed to make it to Sasuke's room, barely noting how he has a headache, and as soon as his head hits the pillow it is like darkness has come to swallow him up.

Sasuke sighs as he looks at the clock on the wall. Just a few more minutes before his final class has finished and he can return to his wounded blond. It had been a rather dreadful day. First there was his conversation with Kurenai. The headmistress had called him in during lunchbreak to ask about his absence and lacking behind in class. She knew about what had happened with his brother because Naruto had told her so. Now it was his turn to tell her why he wasn't in school.

"There is one more thing…" He said after promising her he would not work for Sharingan until he was no longer behind in class and his grades were up to his usual standard. She had raised a brow at him, having been about to dismiss him. "It's about Naruto… Something happened, and… well, he needs some time to recover. He won't be in class for a while, but I'll make sure to keep notes for him and help him not to fall behind."

"I see." She said, looking at him calculatingly. "I assume he is staying with you then?"

"I…" Sasuke was stunned for a moment and he couldn't hide the shock at being found out. "What-"

"Naruto's parents have already contacted me. His mother told me he ran away from home and she asked a favour of me. She wants me to keep an eye out on where or with whom he could be staying and to check whether he would be safe." She folded her hands on the desk and leaned forward a bit more, her red eyes having turned rather cold. "Now I know of some rumours of you and Naruto not getting along. So tell me, Sasuke, what is it that you want from him and give me one good reason why I shouldn't tell Kushina where he is right away." Sasuke swallowed hard at seeing the threat in her eyes and how serious she was about this. He knew lying wouldn't be an option here. He just hoped she wouldn't go and tell Naruto's mother everything. He took a deep sigh as he closed his eyes and when he opened them again she could see the resigned look in them.

"I'll tell you. Everything." Sasuke said hesitantly before looking up at her with just as much weariness and earnestness as she had in her eyes. "If you don't tell anyone. Not even his parents." She nodded.

"As long as no-one is getting hurt."

"Okay." Sasuke nodded and took another deep breath before launching into his tale, his confession.

"Naruto and I… We're together. And his parents don't really approve…" Sasuke started as he avoided eye contact again. "We've been through a lot together and keeping our relationship a secret from his parents."

"Why would they be against your relationship?" Kurenai interrupted his explanation. "I know Kushina, she wouldn't be against such a relationship such as yours." Sasuke frowned at that, filing the information away to think on later as he came up with an answer to her question without telling about the getting almost caught in the act thing. He realized that it was more than that though.

"They think I hurt him… Which I guess is true, I used too." He sighed, shaking his head. "I used to hurt him, bully him, because he was from Japan and I… I just…" He shrugged his shoulders, not knowing the words to describe his feelings towards Naruto at the time.

"Sasuke…" Kurenai said, understanding. She stood up to walk around her desk to sit in the chair next to him so the desk would no longer stand between them like a barrier. "You know you can tell me anything. No word would leave this room, student-teacher confidentiality and all that." She smiled at him and he nodded before taking a deep breath and continuing.

"It wasn't like Naruto didn't want me too… In a way he did, a-and we got to know each other which changed everything. But then his parents found out in a bad way and while we were still trying to get to know each other, trying to properly communicate and discover our feelings for each other, they made us break up. I understand," He quickly added. "they wanted to protect their son from someone whom they thought was hurting him, someone who took advantage of him."

"And did you?"

"No. Or at least I don't think so. Not intentionally." He added, getting a bit confused by the question, what his answer should be. "I didn't force him or anything, he could always walk away." Kurenai smiled at him endearingly and he got even more confused by that before she clarified what her question had been about.

"And did you break up with him then?"

"Oh. Ah, yeah… But we couldn't stay away from each other for long and became friends instead." Sasuke smiled at the memory. "He even joined Sharingan to get close to me again even though he was basically the one who broke my heart. After that the earthquake happened and we had the conversation that we both had wanted more. We've been together in secret ever since."

"I see." Kurenai mused. "And you don't think it wise to tell his parents about the two of you now, because of what happened? His parents are very worried about him." She asked carefully. She didn't know what exactly happened that made Naruto unable to come to school, though she had her guesses, she could still gauge why Naruto ran away.

"I know they are worried." Sasuke had said and he looked at her with eyes that seemed much too old for his age. "Their relationship has been strained for a while… But now… I'm not sure things could ever go back to being a good relationship between them. He blames them. He blames them for what happened…" He closed his eyes for a moment, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. "Right now he doesn't even want to talk to them."

"Hmm. Whatever it is that happened must have really hurt him, then. It sounds like they broke his trust. Not once, but multiple times." Kurenai frowned, she wouldn't have thought Kushina would let something like that happen, not to mention more than once. Sasuke just nodded at her assumptions.

"So you see why you can't tell them? Naru has to recover first. He's the one who needs to be ready to talk to them before they are told that he's staying with me, and my brother." He quickly added, making it clear that Naruto wasn't alone with him all the time.

"I understand and I do believe you." Kurenai started with a hand to her chin in thought.

"But..?"

"I would like to speak to Naruto in person. A house call is in order I think." She nodded to herself before looking at her student again. "Would tomorrow be alright? I'd like to speak to your brother as well." Sasuke swallowed but he nodded, knowing that this was unavoidable. "Good. I'll probably take Iruka with me. He and Naruto have a stronger bond than I do with him and he can set up a schedule with both of you to prevent any lacking behind, alright?"

"Yeah. Sounds good." Sasuke nodded, accepting that it was out of his hands really and knowing that she just wished to help them both.

"Good." She said with a finality that made it clear that this topic had come to an end for now. "Then there is one last thing that I'd like to know more about. You mentioned bullying before. I'm assuming it wasn't just you. Does it have anything to do with Tayuya? You were the one who reported her to me after all." Sasuke nodded slowly.

He remembers how horrified he was when he walked in on what Tayuya was doing to that girl that day. He had already been so angry with her the day she told him how she had gone after Naruto on her own, humiliating and hurting him without Sasuke being there to do some damage-control. The way she told him about it disgusted him even back then. That's why he had threatened her to stay away from the blond and from their group that he made clear she was no longer a part of. She had slapped him then before storming off and he couldn't think anything else about that than a good riddance. That didn't mean he let his guard down around her though. He had been keeping a watchful eye on her. When he saw her strode towards the gym supply shack he knew she was up to something and he couldn't resist following her to find out. When he heard the sobbing and begging form inside he knew it was bad news and when he could see what was happening he knew she was just an out of control psychopath. He had instantly run off to tell the headmistress and he had been incredibly relieved when Tayuya had been expelled for good.

"Were there others involved in bullying Naruto or anyone else?" Again Sasuke nodded.

"Kaguya and Kidōmaru." He answered. "I don't think I ever really considered them my friends though." He told her truthfully. "I'm not hanging around with them anymore."

"Have they stopped bullying Naruto then?" She asked and Sasuke had frowned in thought. He hadn't really considered it to be honest. He should ask Naruto about it when he's about ready to come back to school. "Well, I believe lunch hour is about over. You should go." Kurenai said suddenly before standing up and Sasuke did the same before he walked to the door, feeling a whole lot lighter to the point that he'd say he's feeling light-headed. Probably because he hadn't eaten lunch yet though.

"Thank you." He told her while looking over her shoulder, hoping she could hear that it wasn't just for hearing him out. That it was for all the trouble she went through to keep him on the right path. For truly caring about him, his future and wellbeing.

Sasuke sighs in relief as the bell rings and he quickly packs his bag being more than done with the day and ready to go home, to go to be at his lovers side again. As he leaves the classroom he can spot Kaguya and Kidōmaru in the distance in the hallway and he decisively turns to walk in the other direction to avoid them. Earlier that day they had confronted him about why he seemed to no longer want to spend time with them. He had brushed them off almost every time since he and Naruto had gotten together the first time and they demanded an explanation that was long overdue. He had shrugged them off and made it clear that he had better things to do than hang around with them. Such childish games as pestering other students were behind him now and he had outgrown them. They weren't happy about that but they had let him go as he brushed past them to swagger off on his way to his final class.

He figures now that it is better to avoid any confrontation with his former lackeys. All he can think about is his gorgeous, blond boyfriend waiting for him at home. He hopes he hadn't told the principal too much about what is going on, remembering Naruto's reaction when he had told him how he had told Neji. But he also remembers how good telling his brother the truth had felt and knowing that Kurenai was an important ally to have he hopes Naruto can understand that this was the best thing to do. I also hope that we can work out this tension between us… Sasuke thinks as he starts to trot as soon as he leaves the school grounds. I have no idea how to fix this… Probably because I'm not sure what caused it. Was it me? Was it because I pushed him after he sucked me? He frowns as he kept up the phase, nearing the park now. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. We just need to talk, to be honest with each other.

Naruto wades through the knee high fluids, looking around in the endless space around him. He has no idea where he is or where he is going, where he should be going. But when he looks down he notices that the fluids he is walking through is red. Red like blood. He swallows hard as he sees how the insides of his legs are red as well and he has no doubt that it is his asshole that the blood comes from. He takes a deep breath as he decidedly steps forward again, vaguely aware that there is no pain. He starts calling, but for what or whom even he doesn't know nor can he understand wat it is that he is calling into the darkness. Something, or someone, seems to respond though and when he turns towards the sound that he cannot understand nor hear, he finds glowing steps appearing out of the blood. He quickly wades towards them and as he steps upon them more and more steps appear. Confident he keeps looking up as he walks up the steps until suddenly his foot falls deeper as no new step appears and he soon finds himself falling down, his throat making a sound no human being should be capable of. He closes his eyes and holds his breath, awaiting the inevitable, back breaking landing.

Yet nothing happens and when he opens his eyes he sees a beautiful sky filled with clouds of which each has a recognisable form. A bird, a dragon, a hand. The more he scans the sky in fascination the more the forms of the clouds turn into less innocent images. A cloud of a hand with two fingers outstretched, a cloud that forms a neat looking bum, and then the clouds that look like dicks. There were a lot of those. Most apart from each other, starting with soft ones but soon all of them seem to be erections, the next bigger than the one before it. His breath speeds up unbidden as he sees clouds in the form of a hand stroking an erection, an erection where a hand cups the balls and even an erection that seems in the midst of ejaculation. Then they turn into different forms, the wind seems to act like the hands that sculpt the display before him, like a private show just for him. The images the clouds form he could vaguely recognise as the forms of bodies in different stages and positions of having sex. Though the figures are unrecognisable, all of them were -at least to his mind for some he couldn't see as well to determine this- male. He can almost hear the sounds, the soft sighs, groans and slapping of flesh on flesh on the gentle wind.

Suddenly he can feel another body falling next to him in this giant bird nest. He doesn't have to turn his head to know who it is as he feels a hand gently placed on his abdomen. He smiles softly as the thumb starts to caress his skin gently and when he turns his head he looks straight into the face of his boyfriend, Sasuke smiling caringly back to him. There, under the sky filled with penisses he couldn't feel more at peace. A crow nearby, that looks to his mind suspiciously like Sai, sings a lovely lullaby or is screeching in anguish, he couldn't really tell the difference. The eyes of the black feathered creature suddenly seem to bulge and soon they pop out of their sockets, ending with a disgusting plunge into the blood that seemed to have filled the nest like warm water in a bath. It is only now that Naruto realizes what the liquids he lies in are, somehow knowing it was a mixture of blood, semen, tears and now Sai's very own eyeballs like it were some sickening, disgusting soup. And yet he couldn't look away from those caring dark eyes that seemed to have nothing but undividing attention for him, his hand all the while making blood traces all over his stomach and chest. It is when the blood and gore reaches his boyfriends eyes that Naruto has realized they have started to bleed, yet Sasuke's smile never wavered, ever looking at him with love, longing but maybe now also resigned and melancholic as if he has accepted a sad and heart-breaking truth.

Naruto awakes with a start, feeling the bile rise in his throat he instantly clamps his hand over his mouth and quickly swats the blanket away. Sitting up quickly, ignoring the slight pain it still brings, he hastily gets to his feet, smashes the door open and runs to the bathroom just in time to empty his stomach in the toilet. After throwing up the little food he had managed to eat earlier that morning he shakily stands up, reaching over to flush the toilet and almost loses his balance. With trembling limbs he stumbles to the sink, sight hazy and when he looks into the mirror he sees his reflection, his face so pale and his eyes blown wide open, the bandage on his shoulder barely visible and a reminder of what had happened to him. It instantly reminds him of Sasuke's sorrowful, resigned eyes in his dream as if he knew. As if he knew what he had done. How he had willingly spread his legs for Sai, willingly kissed him back with lust and even had complimented him. His shoulders start to shock as he turns from the mirror and even before he has set a few more steps towards the doorpost tears well up in his eyes. He leans against it, feeling drained and heavy with guilt that seems to want to tear his heart apart.

"Naruto?" Itachi asks as he stands on the other side of Sasuke's bedroom door, looking with worry at the blond leaning in the doorpost of the bathroom. He must have heard the commotion he had made earlier.

Yet Naruto cannot get a grip on himself as all his strength seems to leave him, letting himself slide down to the floor and as soon as he sits down he feels the flash of pain from his behind. The reminder, that ever constant reminder that restricts him, keeps him captive in his worst memory, that keeps bringing the nightmares back and is the undeniable reminder of the truth of what he had done, what he had let happen.
As soon as Naruto started to slide down to the floor Itachi moved forward, dropping himself next to the blond on the ground as he hadn't been fast enough to catch him, Naruto's hissing a clear sign of the pain he was in. In anger he hits the ground and sways to the side with force to hit his head against the doorpost, Itachi barely keeping him from truly hurting himself.

"I'm so sick of always being reminded of this!" Naruto chokes out in frustration as his shoulders start to shock and tears flow from his burning eyes. "I hate this! I hate myself! I hate myself!"

"Shh. Hey, hey." Itachi tries to bring the blond back to the now, holding him in his arms to prevent him from slinking down further to the floor or a repeat of Naruto's earlier attempt at hurting himself. "It's going to be alright. You didn't do anything wrong."

"You don't understand!" Naruto shouts and he glares over his shoulder, Itachi worrying greatly at the self-loathing he finds in those blue eyes. "It was my fault! I did this!" He looks away to the floor again, slumping in Itachi's arms and closing his eyes as agony and despair overcome him. "I let this happen. I let him do this to me… I l-let him…"

"Naruto." Itachi says sternly though not unkind and he moves so Naruto can look at him, lifting his chin up to look at him. "Listen to me. Listen to me carefully." He says and Naruto raises his head to look him in his eyes, Itachi caresses his cheek caringly with his thumb as he cups the side of his neck. "You are not the one at fault. You did not ask him to rape you, you told him no and that should have been enough." He absently notices how warm the blonds face feels, but he decides to deal with that later, finding it more important right now to drive his point home. "Without your explicit and clear minded consent he should have never even put a finger on you."

"But," Naruto sniffs and he leans forward, leaning with his forehead against Itachi's shoulder. "I betrayed him… I betrayed Sasuke. I s-should've noticed… Sasuke… I'm so sorry… So sorry…" Itachi caresses his back as he listens to the whispered apologies.

"Sasuke loves you, Naruto." Itachi tries to reassure him but instead another sob rocks the blonds body.

"But I don't deserve it. I don't deserve him!"

"I believe Sasuke should be the one to decide whom deserves his love or not. I do believe you deserve him, and you know why?" The older Uchiha moves and lifts Naruto's chin so they can look at each other. "Because I can tell that you make him happy. That is all it takes Naruto for things to work out. As long as you make him happy and he you, there is no question whether you deserve each other or not. You just do, because the two of you just work." They look each other in the eyes for a while. Itachi checking if he got his point across and Naruto scanning for any wavering of his conviction, any doubt or lies. But those dark eyes hold his steady and seem wise and true, so Naruto has to look away, no longer baring the concern for him for even that he isn't sure he is worthy of.

"I'm sorry…" He whispers and Itachi knows it's not for the same thing as his apologies previously.

"It's okay. These things, healing, takes time. Let's get you back to bed okay?" Naruto nods and he stands up with Itachi's help, the world instantly swaying around him and he would have fallen again if the other hadn't kept him steady. Itachi doesn't say anything however as he supports the blond back to bed. Once tucked in he places a hand over Naruto's forehead and hums softly in thought. "I feared so…"

"What?" Naruto mumbles drowsily.

"It seems you've got a fever." Itachi concludes. "I have a trustworthy friend whom is a healer. I could call him over to check on you and make sure you will be alright. Would you allow me to contact him for that?"

"Hmm." Naruto can't keep his eyes open any longer, let alone form coherent enough thoughts to speak. He is just so, so tired. So instead, before dozing off again, he nods to Itachi's request.

As Sasuke arrives at the park he decides to take a shortcut so he'll be home even sooner. An old lady had stopped him just a moment ago to ask for instructions somewhere else in the city. He had helped her of course, having been raised properly, but it did start to wear on his patience when she had repeated his directions wrongly for the third time. Eventually he had settled on giving her the directions to a service point that was on her way anyway so they could help her there further.

So wanting to make up for that time lost he takes the shortcut that's basically an animal trail that lies behind the lake. With the water on his right and the ground to the left sloping down to a fence, the path flowing through a small forest, Sasuke steps determinately onwards. He remembers how he had found the drenched kitten along this path years ago, like Itachi had mentioned the previous day. Breathing in the fresh air he takes in the sunlight reflecting on the water, the birds chirping end the vibrancy of the leaves all around him as they bask in the rays of the sun. It is a beautiful day and he determinedly makes up his mind to take Naruto here sometime soon, convinced he would enjoy and appreciate the sight as well as the story of the stray kitten he had taken home.

He is past the halfway point when he notices the figures standing at the end of this leafy tunnel and as he gets closer his frown deepens to an expression of annoyance, his heart having sped up with the dread rising in his chest. It's Kaguya and Kidōmaru and when Sasuke glances over his shoulder he can spot Jirōbō and the twins Sakon and Ukon. He had spotted the last three hanging around his former cronies more and more often after school, all three of them already graduated or having dropped out which sounded more likely to him.

"You took your time." Kaguya states with an almost bored expression on his face as Kidōmaru just sneers at Sasuke. "Should have known you've grown soft. Helping old ladies now huh? Thinking you're too good a person to hang around us. That you're better than us?" Sasuke didn't like the cold look in his eyes as Kaguya folds the arms in front of his chest, standing barely a few feet from him and Sasuke can hear the other three slowly closing in on him too.

"Think whatever the fuck you want. I don't have anything to say to you, nor do I need to explain myself." Sasuke says coldly with a shrug and he walks forward with the intention to just walk them by.

"Like we let a little snitch like you get away, you fucking traitor." Kidōmaru growls out and before Sasuke can do anything Kaguya nods to the ones behind him and Jirōbō manages to bring his arms under Sasuke's armpits, hands folding over his shoulders in his neck. Before he can try anything with his hands each of the twins keeps them in place. Sasuke sends his deadliest glare to his captors, barely holding back a growl, and Kidōmaru cackles menacingly.

"You should never have outed us to Kurenai." Kaguya says as he steps forward and the one behind him spits on the ground when he heard the headmistresses name. "You understand, such treason we cannot let you get away with."

"You're scum, the whole lot of you. The fact that you get involved with these goons shows that. At least I managed to grow up, you lot will just end up like the street scum you were always meant to be." Sasuke smirks challengingly at the white haired guy in front of him whom seethed at his words. Well did Sasuke know Kaguya was abandoned as a child, lived on the streets for a little while before getting into foster care. He knew very well how his insult would hurt. His smile was short lived though as Kaguya's hand snaps forward and cups his jaw in a vice-like grip. He brings his face close, his jade eyes burning with cold-hot rage.

"You will regret looking down on us. We know you, Sasuke, we know your darkest side and accepted that, followed it even. You will never be a hero, someone good. Your heart is too dark for that, too sadistic. You just can't help but love inflicting pain on others. Just ask that blond bitch you were so fond of targeting." At the mention of Naruto Sasuke's earlier sceptical defiance is washed over by anger and Kaguya sees it in his eyes, easily drawing conclusions. "Really? He's the one you stopped hanging out with us for? I noticed how you always gave him your special attention. It was because of him that you snitched on Tayuya wasn't it? Must be one amazing good fuck if you betray your friends for such a slut." Hearing that Sasuke instantly spit in Kaguya's face.

"Don't you dare talk about hi-!" Sasuke gasps in pain as the hand that held his jaws that tightly quickly moved to his dick and balls, the grip on those even tighter. He uses everything he has not to groan with pain, his breath quickening from the exertion. Kaguya smirks sadistically before he leans forward until his mouth was next to Sasuke's, his breath ghosting over his ear making him shiver with disgust.

"This is for rejecting me all those times. For choosing that whore over me." Kaguya whispers only for him to hear and Sasuke cannot prevent the groan ripping through his throat as the hand holding his manhood twists viciously. Kaguya had made his advances on Sasuke before, moving into his personal space with ease and whenever it was just the two of them complimenting his body and how much he wished he could claim it as his. Sasuke always brushed him off with ease and though nothing physical happened and Sasuke would most of the time treat it as a joke, Kaguya would verbally harass him every now and again when no-one could overhear.

"Son of a bitch!" Sasuke rasps through the pain before Kaguya moves his hands to his shoulders to knee him in the balls, making him double over and whimper from the terrible pain.

"I once respected you, you know." Kaguya says as he looks down at the raven with nothing but disdain. "Now I despise you." He then takes a step back and that clearly was the clue Kidōmaru waited for as he walks forward while knacking his knuckles.

"My turn." He smirks triumphantly as Sasuke lifts his head with anger building quickly and struggling against his holders to no avail. The first hit is to his jaw, then his stomach, than his other cheek. When Kidōmaru pulls his head up by his hair Sasuke sneers at him with bloodied teeth as his upper lip has split. "I've been looking forward to this for a very long time." His tormentor smiles wickedly with sadistic glee in his eyes and he punches him again. He then knees him hard in the stomach and then in the face as he collapses forward. Again Sasuke struggles against the three that hold him and he hears his current torturer laugh menacingly.

"Can I go next? I wanna go next." Ukon says as he enjoyed the show thus far but can feel his hands aching to get some punches in.

"Me too." Sakon agrees with his twin.

"Get in line." Kidōmaru growls at them before turning to Sasuke once more, the corner of one of his eyebrow now having a trail of blood. "I am not quite done with this whoreson quite yet. He is not yet pretty enough. But don't you worry Sasuke," Kidōmaru grabs his hair again to make him look at him. "I will make sure that pretty little concubine of yours will get to match your new looks." Sasuke spits him in his face at that, fiery eyes burning with anger and loathing for the one in front of him. As Kidōmaru takes a step back, wiping the blood and spit from his face while cursing, Sasuke struggles against his captives once more until his tormentor starts to chuckle. "Ohhoh, you really didn't like the idea of that, did you? Well then Sasuke, I'll make sure your little, blond whore will suffer extra. Who knows," And he leans close again once more, making sure Sasuke's eyes are on his. "I might even go see what's so special that you betray us and have a go at him myself."

There was nothing -no fight sport, no meditative tips or advice, not even Itachi's words of warning- that could have prepared Sasuke for the rage he felt at hearing those words and the images they invoked. Instantly all the suffering of his lover over the past days hit him like a tidal wave and the red that usually overcame the edges of his vision has turned into a blazing crimson that masks his sight and rationality entirely.

The moment he realized Naruto was telling him about how he got raped.
He hits his head back with a roar, smacking it into Jirōbō's face with a cracking sound.

How Naruto had apologized because he feared that he would be angry with him.
With one quick movement he managed to twist his arm so one of the twins had to let go, smacking the other in his face with remarkable strength.

How even sitting down would bring his boyfriend so much pain and frustration.
He uses the momentum of the hit to hold the one he hit down while bringing his leg up to kick another in the side of the head.

The sounds Naruto made in his sleep as his nightmares force him to relive the trauma again and again.
A sharp pain is felt from his ribs, another hard hit to the head sends him to the ground for a moment, but turning he manages to kick one of his attackers in the balls.

Finding the blood, the undeniable proof of the damage that some fucked up monster had done to his lover.
Leaning back, kicking his feet into the air he flips back up, pulling the next persons head down with his hands to plant his knee in their face.

How afraid his blond was to even eat, how ashamed he was to admit why.
He pulls an arm here, lends another hit somewhere, feels his hair pulled and elbows someone in their ribs while taking another kick that narrowly misses his groin.

The gut-wrenching sounds of repressed sobbing and whimpers of pain that came from the bathroom door he sat against.
Pulling one of his attackers, those who would harm his lover so, forward by their shirt with one hand he starts to hit them in the face with the other.

The thought that Naruto would no longer be able to enjoy pleasure.
A hit to the bastards face.

His own cursed imaginings of how that bastard had laid behind his lover.
A hit to the gut.

How that fucking rapist forced himself inside his boyfriend.
Another hit to the face.

How his blond blames himself.
Another hit, his knuckles covered in blood.

How that forced experience seems to have taken that bright smile away.
There was screaming, but he didn't know from whom, didn't care as he planted yet another hit.

And these bastards, these motherfucking whoresons who were lower than scum intended to do the same to his Naruto?!
Someone pulled him off and he swung around him, his bloodied fist hitting meat again.

Never!
Another sharp movement, another hit was taken and by now he didn't know by whom.

He'd rather die than let them hurt him!
He didn't care about the damage anymore.

They would pay!
A kick to the back of his knee sends him stumbling.

The whole world would pay!
A kick to the side of his head sends him to the ground.

He would protect him this time.
His ears were ringing.

No-one should get away with hurting his Naruto.
He found it hard to breath, someone stomped on his hand.

Not even himself.
He tries to get up, his vision blurred and swirling.

He needed to get back to him…
Being pulled up roughly by the arm he barely avoids another hit to the stomach, sight clearing somehow.

He shouldn't be wasting his time here…
His sight still blurred, from pain and the starting of swelling but no longer from rage, he could make out the water.

What was he doing? He shouldn't be here.
In a moment of rationality breaking through the chaos in his mind he dashes towards the lake, a voice in him telling him he couldn't beat the enemy five to one.

He needed to get home, he needed to be with his Naruto.

As soon as the cold water surrounds him his mind gets shaken awake and with a few more strokes underwater he makes his way to the surface. Taking a deep gulp of air into his burning lungs, his wounds aching all over his body, he starts to move his arms and legs to keep on swimming to the other side of the lake. His head keeps ringing all the while, the headache almost so strong he wants to close his eyes and just let the lake take him wherever. Only the thought of his beloved boyfriend waiting for him at home makes him keep his conviction to keep on going.

Reaching the edge of the water he has to try twice before he manages to hoist himself out of the water. He pants, chest heaving as he leans on his hands and knees to catch his breath for a moment. Though his sight is still blurry, his left eye barely being able to see through because of the swelling and the blood, he can still see the terrible state of his hands. They were swelling up quickly too and especially his right one seemed to have the skin around all his knuckles broken, blood seeping from it with the water. He takes a deep breath and looks around himself in fear of his attackers coming after him again. He doesn't see anyone though and behind him he can't see them across the lake as the undergrowth and bushes prevent that. Swallowing harshly, and tasting the blood in his mouth, he starts to move to get up. Staggering and stumbling he catches himself on a nearby tree. The bank he is standing on was covered with trees and bushes; a boundary between the lake and the pedestrian path.

He notices absentmindedly how his bag is missing, deeming it to probably lie on the other side of the lake around the path somewhere. His mind is throbbing and all he can think about right now is getting home, getting to his beloved whom is no doubt waiting for him there. He steps forward onto the path, still a bit unbalanced at first, but soon his feet move with more and more speed and determination until he is running towards home. He cannot wait to be in his lovers arms again, to just hold him and swear over and over again that he was safe and that he would not let anything hurt him again.

He just hopes no other problems would happen today…

To be continued…

So there you have it folks, another long chapter.
What did you think of the Ita-Naru bonding time? Should I add more of the picturebooks and this time Sasuke being present for it?
And with Kurenai finding out we are yet another step closer to making this relationship between them no longer a secret. The reveal to the parents is jet a while away, so this will have to do for now. Next chapter she will get to speak with Naru as well as Itachi.
I hope the feverdream wasn't too disturbing? I wanted to make it a real weird one like feverdreems tend to get...
The fightscene is entirely from Sasuke's perspective as he is in a blind rage. Not Sasuke, nor you and even not I know yet how bad the damage is that he inflicted on the Sound five. It won't be the last we've seen of them though, that's for sure.

Hope you all look forward to next chapter where quite some things will be confronted and resolved. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter and what you look forward too happening next. ^.^